Kennedy's Ethos In Jfk Inaugural Address

Amidst the cheers and excitement of the spectators the newly elected president placed his hand on the Bible and with conviction articulated the presidential oath of office. Then he situated himself at the podium and continued on to outline his plan for the nation during his presidency. The presidential inaugural address has been a cornerstone of America’s history since George Washington first delivered one after he was unanimously elected president. The inaugural speech’s central purpose is to address the nation about what issues the President will tackle during his presidency. These speeches are always powerful in meaning, and President John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s speech is no different. By gaining credibility and then evoking pathos through

The many references to God invoke pathos in the audience and boost President’s Kennedy’s ethos. Anti-Catholicism had been a prominent part of American culture since colonial times, when many colonies restricted Catholic settlers. Even in the 1960 election, President Kennedy had a strong disadvantage because he was Catholic; the largely Protestant nation was afraid that the Pope would control his actions in office. Moreover, Kennedy was, at 43, the youngest president, and therefore many Americans were not confident about his abilities to lead the nation. However, President Kennedy is able to portray himself as a trustworthy leader by referring to God as a higher entity and quelling the fears of people. The most significant references to God occur at the beginning and the end of the speech. At the beginning of the speech, Kennedy articulates that he has “sworn before you [the people] and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago” (“Transcript”). He wants the citizens to know that he is a very religious man who intends to keep his promises to the people as well as God. Kennedy once again underscores his zeal for religion by alluding to a quote by Isaiah; as a result, this invokes pathos in the mostly Christian audience. The ending phrase “God’s work must truly be our own” (“Transcript”)

Especially powerful is his ingenious use of antithesis throughout the inaugural address. Kennedy talks about “a new generation of Americans” (“Transcript”) and compares it with the older generation with antithesis. He states that “we observe today…a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning—signifying renewal, as well as change” (“Transcript”). Kennedy is suggesting that the United States is much different that it was when our forebears lived. However, by using phrases that contrast each other, Kennedy highlights that both generations of Americans have fought to uphold their inalienable rights. Another example of Kennedy’s use of antithesis occurs when he asserts “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate” (“Transcript”). In the speech Kennedy pauses after saying the first sentence. This pause serves to make the audience think about and give them time to understand Kennedy’s position. After Kennedy states the second sentence the audience applauds and screams in excitement (John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address). Perhaps Kennedy’s most memorable sentence, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” (“Transcript”) is a prime example of antithesis in the inaugural address. By speaking directly to the American people, President Kennedy acts as a father figure and questions what they